Namibia: N$1b Transnamib Locomotive Tender Blocked

Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has stopped the procurement of 30 locomotives. The locomotives were to be purchased from a U.S. company by TransNamib.

Nekundi confirmed that TransNamib had planned this purchase. However, there were concerns about using a single-source manufacturer. This decision came after Job Amupanda raised questions in Parliament.

Amupanda asked if TransNamib received approval for this direct procurement. Nekundi responded, saying he contacted the institution to cancel the deal. He noted that neighboring countries do not source locomotives in this way.

A meeting is scheduled for Friday to discuss the issue further. Amupanda expressed satisfaction with the news. He stated that the corrupt N$1 billion deal for 23 locomotives is now on hold.

He recalled a previous statement from Desmond van Jaarsveld, who claimed Amupanda was lying. Amupanda believes van Jaarsveld will have to retract his statement along with his associates.